Memphis, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Memphis is facing a significant outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, impacting 31 schools and three daycare centers in Shelby County. A total of 178 students and staff have been diagnosed. Initially detected at Sherwood Elementary, the illness has prompted health officials to implement tracking and safety protocols across the district. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and blisters, and families are urged to keep symptomatic children at home. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools are reinforcing hygiene measures and monitoring cases to ensure the health of all students.
Memphis is experiencing a widespread outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), affecting nearly three dozen education centers throughout Shelby County. As of the latest reports, HFMD has been confirmed in a total of 31 schools and three daycare centers across the county, with a total of 178 students and staff members diagnosed with the illness.
The outbreak initially appeared to be limited to Sherwood Elementary School, with the first cases confirmed at the end of August. However, health officials were not notified until early September. Once informed, the Shelby County Health Department began tracking the spread within educational institutions.
HFMD is a common viral illness primarily affecting young children, though older children and adults can also contract it. Symptoms typically surface three to six days following exposure and can include fever, sore throat, oral sores, and blisters on hands and feet. The illness usually lasts from seven to ten days and is highly contagious, particularly in environments where children are in close contact, such as schools and daycares.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, and fecal-oral transmission. In light of the outbreak, parents are advised to keep sick children at home until they are fever-free and symptoms have improved.
The Shelby County Health Department is actively providing guidance to schools and childcare providers regarding outbreak management, disinfection methods, and exclusion criteria. In response to the situation, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is reinforcing safety protocols to limit the spread of HFMD, which includes enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures across the district.
MSCS encourages families to keep children at home if they exhibit any symptoms of HFMD, including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. School nurses and attendance liaisons are closely monitoring and reporting cases to ensure timely communication and action. Additionally, principals and teachers are consistently reinforcing communication about HFMD and hygiene practices within the district.
As part of its response, MSCS is providing additional soap and hand sanitizer to schools and is collaborating with the health department to monitor and report confirmed or suspected cases of HFMD.
Summary
The outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease is proving to be an ongoing challenge for educational institutions in Memphis. With close monitoring and strategic interventions, health officials and school districts are working collaboratively to manage the situation and safeguard the health of students and staff members.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of the hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak in Memphis?
The outbreak has affected nearly three dozen education centers in Shelby County, Memphis, with HFMD confirmed in a total of 31 schools and three daycare centers, diagnosing 178 students and staff members.
When were the first cases of HFMD confirmed?
The first cases were confirmed at the end of August, but health officials were not immediately notified.
What are the common symptoms of HFMD?
Symptoms of HFMD typically appear three to six days after exposure and may include fever, sore throat, oral sores, and blisters on hands and feet.
How does HFMD spread?
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, and fecal-oral transmission.
What should parents do if their child is showing symptoms of HFMD?
Parents are advised to keep sick children at home until they are fever-free and symptoms have improved.
How is MSCS responding to the outbreak?
MSCS is reinforcing safety protocols, providing additional soap and hand sanitizer to schools, and collaborating with the health department to monitor and report confirmed or suspected cases of HFMD.
Key Features of the HFMD Outbreak
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Affected Schools | 31 schools and 3 daycare centers |
| Total Cases | 178 students and staff members diagnosed |
| Initial Outbreak Location | Sherwood Elementary School |
| Common Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, oral sores, blisters on hands and feet |
| Transmission Methods | Respiratory droplets, saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, fecal-oral |
| Duration of Illness | 7 to 10 days |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Shelby County
Significant Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Shelby County
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Shelby County
Groundbreaking for New Frayser High School Begins
Memphis Reports on Mixed Performance in Student Growth
Memphis Emphasizes the Changing Landscape of Public Health Science
The Daily Memphian: A Community-Focused News Organization
Health Authorities Investigate Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Concerns Mount Over Safety in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Search: Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Memphis
- Local Memphis
- Google Scholar: Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
- WREG
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Local Memphis Health Alert
- Google News: HFMD Shelby County
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
